Nature Park Karwendel

The Nature Park Karwendel begins on the western shore of Lake Achensee. It is the largest contiguous nature reserve in the northern limestone Alps, comprising over 920 square kilometres and stretching across to Bavaria.

The area extends from 591 to 2,749 metres above sea level. Its surface area is made up of protected areas, landscape conservation areas and sanctuaries which are protected under the Tirolean Nature Conservation Act.

The first provisions for the protection of this unique alpine landscape – the only one of its kind in Europe – were first laid down in 1928. In 1995, the European Commission announced that Nature Park Karwendel was to be included in the Natura 2000 area. The objective of this managed system of protected areas is to safeguard the variety of species by maintaining natural habitats and also the plants and animals which live in the wild, and in so doing simultaneously respect economic, cultural and regional requirements.

Hikers can roam through pristine valleys for hours on end with chamois and ibex; observe marmots, deer and hares, while birds of prey such as buzzards, glide through the air. In the Nature Park Karwendel holidaymakers get the opportunity to soak up the seclusion of the mountains – yet they can also enjoy the convenient infrastructure which the managed Alpine pastures and Alpine lodges have to offer.

Nature Park Karwendel facts and figures:

350 springs

1305 plant species

3035 known animal species

The largest population of Golden Eagles in the Alps

Surface area – 920km² (of which 727km² is in Austria, the rest in Bavaria)

The Golden Nail in Nature Park Karwendel

Around 200 million years ago a huge change took place in the natural surroundings, the plant and animal kingdom underwent considerable changes and there was max extinction globally. This signified the end of the Triassic geological era and the start of the Jurassic era. This transition is still visible in many areas of rock. It is especially visible on the Kuhjoch in Nature Park Karwendel. It was at this site in the summer of 2011 that an oversized golden nail was driven in. In technical geology jargon this golden nail is called the ‘Golden Spike’. These ‘Golden Spikes’ are already located at 60 sites all over the world, however this is the first one in Austria. After more than 20 years of intense research, the international committee from UNESCO chose the “Golden Spike”on the Kuhjoch, at 1760 altitude, as the boundary of the two geological eras, (coordinates: N 47°29’01,82” / E11°31’47,44”). The boundary between the Triassic and the Jurassic era denotes, with an accuracy of within a centimetre, the first occurrence of the ammonite species Psiloceras spelae tirolicum. The Kuhjoch was the area favoured for the occurrence of the above-mentioned ammonite and for other advantages, over rivals in Nevada, Peru and England. This bestowed a very special distinction upon Austria geologists, since this site is now regarded as the global reference point for all geological research referring to the transition between the Triassic and Jurassic geological eras. However, it is very difficult for visitors to Nature Park Karwendel to access this special natural phenomenon. Therefore, the newly built trail “Golden Nail” nearby the Nature Park House in Hinterriß informs visitors about the global geological significance of the Karwendel.